DHQ Takes Action to Stop Lukarawa Terrorist Group’s Recruitment Efforts
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has revealed that the newly emerged terrorist group, Lukarawa, has initiated a recruitment drive to strengthen its operations. The military confirmed that it is actively working with other security agencies and state authorities to disrupt these efforts.
Last Thursday, the DHQ officially acknowledged the presence of the Lukarawa group, which has been operating in northern Nigeria, particularly in Sokoto and Kebbi states. The group reportedly crossed into the region from the Niger Republic and Mali, taking advantage of the instability following the recent coup in Niger.
Maj Gen Edward Buba, Director of Media Operations at DHQ, criticized local residents for harboring the terrorists and failing to report their movements to security forces. Buba stated that the terrorists had been infiltrating northern Sokoto and Kebbi and used religious sermons and welfare offerings to attract recruits.
The group’s activities escalated on Friday, when they attacked Mera town in Kebbi State’s Augie Local Government Area. The assault occurred just as locals were preparing for Friday prayers, resulting in at least 15 fatalities and the theft of 100 cows.
In an interview with our correspondent, Buba revealed that the group has been using social media to spread their message, showcasing sermons and offering welfare incentives to entice new members. “We are fully aware of these activities and are collaborating with other security agencies and the state government to disrupt their recruitment,” he said.
Former DSS Director Mike Ejiofor, while acknowledging that the Lukarawa group has been active since 2018, stated that the group’s numbers are currently too small to pose a significant national security threat. He noted that the group was originally formed by a local community leader in Niger, and while they were briefly invited to Sokoto, they were eventually persuaded to leave through negotiations facilitated by the Sokoto State government.
Ejiofor emphasized that while the group’s activities are under surveillance, it is important to continue intelligence efforts to prevent further escalation. “The security agencies have been tracking them for years, and although they are not yet a major threat, we cannot afford to underestimate them,” he warned.
He also stressed the importance of community support in combating terrorism, urging residents to report suspicious activities despite the risks involved. “Communities are in a difficult position, as failing to report these groups makes them vulnerable, but reporting can also put them at risk,” he said. “The best approach is to intensify intelligence and operational efforts to contain the group before they gain more ground.”
Security expert Timothy Avele added that the Lukarawa group has been active for at least six years, with reports indicating that they have been collecting levies in some Kebbi communities and even interfering with local governance. “Their presence has been largely unknown to the public, which raises concerns about the effectiveness of intelligence agencies in monitoring such groups,” Avele said.
Avele also warned that the group’s recruitment efforts may prove difficult to curb given the current economic hardship in the country. However, he suggested that targeting their funding sources and eliminating key leadership members, both locally and abroad, could help to disrupt their operations. He also proposed cyber operations as a potential strategy to thwart their recruitment drive.
In conclusion, while the threat from Lukarawa remains manageable for now, experts agree that sustained intelligence work and community cooperation are essential to prevent the group from gaining further traction in the region.
